Patently Obvious® is a weekly report focusing on select groups of patents in order to increase transparency in markets, addressing information asymmetries, and providing a more level playing field for all parties.
When most people consider the patent system, they often think of a structure in which large corporations make money selling products based on proprietary knowledge, licensing the technology to others, or suing others who infringe on the patent rights behind their most cutting-edge products. In recent years, the importance of patents and intellectual property rights as an important variable in the marketplace has come to the forefront of the public consciousness as world leaders declare their country’s lead in the innovation race. In the market, knowledge is power.
Patently Obvious® increases visibility and introduces other information into the market and public discourse that can be important in making decisions in the innovation spaces discussed. This information includes innovations precedent and concurrent with the patents being discussed. In some cases, potentially interesting innovations may actually lie in the public domain.